Masonic groups hope to return to fire-damaged temple in 3 months

WILKES-BARRE - In the aftermath of a fire that damaged the Wilkes-Barre Masonic Temple, Barry Littleford has some good news: Local Masonic organizations should be able to return in about three months.

The flames burned through furniture, carpeting and the ceiling in the building's lobby, but most other rooms had no fire damage, said Littleford, a district deputy grand master in the organization. Smoke and water damaged other areas of the building and those rooms will need to be cleaned, he said. Plaster is down through parts of the structure and cleaning crews are working at the site.

The building is mostly constructed of concrete and plaster, which may have inhibited the spread of flames, he said.

"It's very ornate. The furniture and furnishings are of antique quality," said Littleford, 70, of Nanticoke. "When they get it back in its glory, I would say pay it a visit."

The organization's charity work, which includes donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Toys for Tots, blood drives and a Christmas donation to soup kitchens, will continue despite the closed headquarters, said Ralph Isely, the chairman of the committee that oversees the property.

Three Wilkes-Barre chapters and other Masonic groups hold meetings in the building, and as they wait for repairs, they will probably hold meetings in a space offered by their neighboring group members in Kingston, Isely said.

Isely, 88, of Wilkes-Barre, didn't know the cost of repairs, "but I know it's not going to be cheap," he said. He said insurance should pay for the work.

Work on the building started in 1915. On June 24, 1917 - the 200th anniversary of the first known Grand Lodge of Freemasons and the 138th anniversary of the first known operations of Freemasonry in Wilkes-Barre - the organization dedicated its new temple.

Cleaning after the fire should take another month.

"It will take time," Littleford said, "but we'll get back to where we belong."

bwellock@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2051, @CVBillW

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